Dear Athena

One Year Old Tea Party Photoshoot | A Letter to My Niece

Dear Athena,

You are a year old!

I know it’s not very original to say, but this first year has really gone by in the blink of an eye.

Everything about you has been a sweet surprise. From the announcement of your existence to the, “it’s a girl!” text, on the day you arrived. What doesn’t surprise me are the little snippets of your personality that have begun to shine in this short year that we have known each other. Let me tell you what I’ve learned about you and what I hope you will keep learning as you grow.

You know exactly what you want (and what you don’t want) and you won’t settle for anything less. Have patience and trust your judgement-you are always worth it. If you need an example, just look at your Mommy because I know you’ve learned this all from her.

You make people laugh and you make everyone feel special. Such rare gifts; gifts that the world desperately needs. Just because you might be young or small, doesn’t mean you don’t have the power to make a difference. Need an example of this one? Look to both of your brothers-they are world changers too.

You are creative. Your choice of toys, games, hiding places, and hand gestures prove it. If you have your imagination, you have everything you need. Just ask your Daddy, the most creative person I know.

You love to be outside. There’s no doubt about it, you were born wild and free. When you aren’t sure what to do, go outside-it will make everything better. And I’ll go with you if you want.

Perhaps most importantly, I want you to know that you can do anything.

You can play in the dirt and wear a dress. You can put bows in your hair and dunk a basketball. You can do your makeup and study bugs. You can hate the color pink. You can love football. You don’t have to choose. There’s only one you so there aren’t any rules.

Love,

Aunt Misty